Poland is a country which has a lot of progressive rock acts or bands that make music related to this musical genre. Acts such as Moonrise, Millenium, Riverside, Collage, Loonypark, Believe, Amarok, tRKproject, Adam Jurczyński, Quidam and SBB are known to many of our readers. The list almost seems to be endless. And there is still no ending to it because lately I discovered Stick N Stones and Yenisei. And here is another act to discover. Namely Haasta. Haasta is a progressive rock trio from Gdańsk containing Aleksandra Ciecierska (guitar, keyboards), Jan Banaś (bass, keyboards) and Igor Augustynowicz (drums and acoustic guitar). The debut of the group took place in 2020, when the band released their EP Stworki. And now in 2024 they released Gyddanyzc. The album contains instrumental music and is distinguished by a neat combination of complex rhythms. Most of all drawing from both math-rock and South American music. But also drawing from progressive rock, post rock and related styles. The eleven tracks have catchy melodies which seem to come straight from popular music of the 80s. They sound most of all rather mellow and laid back. The sound of the band ranges from King Crimson to Meshuggah. It is the guitar of Aleksandra that takes most of all the lead on most of the songs. She certainly knows how to play electric strings. This way the keyboards have most of all a supportive role on the entire album. Only occasionally you can hear some solos. But when you hear them they sound strong enough to be enjoyed, just like the guitar solos. But it has to be said that it is sometimes rather difficult to hear if you are listening to guitar or synthesizer parts. The trio also got some guests to play some extra instruments on the album. You can hear a saxophone on the title track and was recorded by Jan Dżon Sierzputowski. Furthermore you can hear a flugelhorn on Jellyfish and was recorded by Piotr Szlempo. On the album the musicians touch on emotions, fears and hopes related to the climate changes we are witnessing. Therefore the musicians dedicate this album to everyone who cares about our planet. Let's make it thrive they say! On their Bandcamp website it is written:"Instrumental rock trio from Gdansk, Poland. Emotionally rich music, full of intriguing rhythms and captivating melodies". Well I guess that sums it up what the band is all about. There is just little or none to add to I guess. As always try for yourself if you like this kind of laid back mellow instrumental music. *** Henri Strik (edited by Tracy van Os van den Abeelen) Where to buy? |
